We are a team of clergy, professors, community organizers, designers, editors, creative thinkers, and on-the-ground workers.
Antipas L. Harris, PhD | Our Founding President & CEO
Antipas has dedicated his life to the work of social justice and leading at the intersection of faith, education and public life. Three convictions undergird Harris’ work. The first is that he is convinced that people are eager to see things change for common good. Secondly, faith has an ongoing role in public life and social vitality. Thirdly, true education is critical reflection on all of life (i.e., lived experience, that which gives one meaning, faith, service, victories, challenges, etc.).
Harris has led public classes and panels on race in America, politics and faith, gentrification, and immigration. Over the past 20 years, Harris has served on several university faculties including Regent University where he formerly served on the tenured faculty, Vanguard University, Sacred Heart University, George Fox University, and Old Dominion University where is currently teaches courses in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department. He is also the former founding president of Jakes Divinity School in Dallas, Texas. Harris is an established scholar with several books and articles in refereed journals.
Antipas earned a Bachelor’s degree from LaGrange College, a Master’s degree from Emory University, a Master’s degree from Yale University, a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from St. Thomas University.
See Antipas’ CV here
Jim Wood | Our Founding Chair of the Board
First Presbyterian Church’s (FPC) Senior Pastor since 1999, Jim has a passion for sharing Christ with the world through teaching, preaching, and outreach. The words of Jesus in Matthew 25 are foundational to his ministry of serving the poor, sick, and marginalized and working to eradicate systemic racism and poverty. He believes in the transformative power of partnership and is committed to building dynamic relationships among civic and faith leaders.
A member of the numerous social justice focused interfaith groups such as Hands United Building Bridges (HUBB), the Norfolk Senior Pastors’ Roundtable, he currently serves on the board of Sub:Culture, Inc. He has worked extensively with the Norfolk CSB and other City task forces to engage the URC to operate a homeless shelter. In 2020, he received the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award for his work in pursuing social justice within the city. Jim holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Rachel Cropper | Our VP of Community Engagement & Homeless Employment Services
Originally from Maryland, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theological Studies from Lee University. She relocated to the Norfolk area and completed her Master of Arts Degree in Human Services – Trauma & Crisis Counseling from Regent University. Rachel has more than ten years of leadership experiences in administration, advocacy, and management in the church and community organizations. With great enthusiasm, Rachel brings her wealth of expertise to her current role of Vice President of Community Engagement and Homeless Employment Services. She believes in the importance, impact, and mission at the URC and loves serving the needs of so many outstanding citizens often overlooked.
Raven Williams | Our Lead Mobility Mentor for NorfolkTHrive
Raven began her professional career in the United States Navy where she served overseas for five years. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Old Dominion University. She is actively pursuing her Masters degree in Social Work at Northern Kentucky University. Raven is very passionate about healthcare and the wellbeing of individuals within the community. When she isn’t collaborating with peers for ways to enhance social justice, Raven loves to read.
Raven serves on the team as Mobility Mentor for NorfolkThrive. The URC is in partnership with United Way of South Hampton Roads to support Norfolk families in their goals in economic mobility. Raven’s professional background, work ethic and personality is perfect for offering a hand-up to families.
Raven not only loves helping people and reading books. She is currently in the process of writing her first book. Raven is happiest spending time with her husband, E’N, and one year old daughter, Kacie.
Sidney Dobbins | Our Outreach Coordinator
Born and raised in Upstate NY, Sidney first embarked on her academic journey at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her bachelor's degree in biology. She further pursued her education at Boston University, obtaining a master's degree in public health. After graduation, Sidney's deep-rooted passion for health and wellness led her to become a fitness coach. However, her growth mindset prompted her relocation to Norfolk in January 2023. It was here that she realized the incredible fulfillment that comes from volunteering. Sidney experienced firsthand the transformative power of building relationships and making a lasting impact and discovered that true fulfillment lies in service and connection with others. This newfound understanding fuels her excitement for this opportunity with the URC.
In her spare time, Sidney enjoys fitness training, skiing, soccer, and other activities that keep her active. Her beloved companion, Donnie, is her loyal canine best friend, and she enjoys time spent with her family and friends.
Chantell Goodwin | Our Mobility Mentor for NorfolkTHrive
Chantell Goodwin has a passion for helping others. She holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Bryant & Stratton College and also studied Sociology at Norfolk State University. She is a Hampton Roads native, born in Norfolk and growing up in Chesapeake. Chantell loves spending my free time with her children, exploring new adventures and trying out new restaurants. As a Mobility Mentor for NorfolkThrive, she brings professional background, strong work ethic, and warm personality to the URC team. She loves working together to help Norfolk families achieve their goals in economic mobility. With Chantell’s commitment and dedication, she is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Mary Harris | Our Coordinator for the IMPACT Youth Arts Programs
Mary Harris was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She attended SUNY Cortland for her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Regent University for her Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision. Mary has taught Kindergarten and First Grade in Norfolk Public Schools for 18 years. She has 2 daughters, ages 11 and 12. Mary also tutors and is the director for Camp IMPACT and Site coordinator for Summer programs at WH Taylor. In her free time she enjoys crafting and decorating her home in addition to teaching charcuterie board painting workshops at Pendulum Fine Meats. Mary truly enjoys working with people, especially children!
Alice Randle | Our Student Support Specialist for the IMPACT Youth Arts Programs
Alice Randle is a native of Virginia. After graduating from high school, she attended nursing school at Electronic Institute of Technology (ECPI). After graduating from ECPI, Alice accepted a job with Lake Taylor Hospital and Alternative Behavior Services as a residential counselor. Because of her passion for youth and her desire to see young scholars reach their fullest potential, Alice joined Norfolk Public Schools’ (NPS) team of educators, where she has been employed for over 30-years. For the past 20-years, she has worked as a Family Engagement Specialist with NPS.
Alice has always been instrumental in keeping youth engaged & involved with positive community activities and has invested time with partnering parents with great organizations such as the URC. For several years, she has assisted the URC with recruiting students for their Summer Impact Program. Alice has also worked as the assistant to the director. Currently, she is serving as the Student Support Specialist for the Impact Youth Art’s Program. Alice has received numerous awards. For two consecutive years, she was nominated for the NPS School Bell Award. Alice currently lives in Norfolk, VA, where she spends her free time relaxing with her two sisters and hanging out with her three grandchildren. Affectionately, known as “Nana,” by her grandchildren; Alice constantly encourages them to “live a life worth reading about.” You can also find her beading jewelry. She is the founder and former owner of “Beaddazzled by Alice.”
Patrica Walsh | Our Community Liaison for the IMPACT Youth Arts Programs - Norfolk
Patrica Walsh was raised in a military family and has lived or visited numerous places all over the world. This unique experience has helped her to be one who easily connects with people from all walks of life.
Patricia wound up in Hampton Roads when her dad retired here. She went to Old Dominion University and received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She became a 4th grade teacher in Norfolk Public Schools for three years and then took 7 years off to be a stay at home mom. During that time, she went back to ODU and earned a license in Library Science. Patricia was an elementary school librarian at various schools in Norfolk for seven years. Patricia now enjoys her work as the Norfolk IYAP program community liaison and as an entrepreneur. She owns a cleaning business.
Patricia has a 14 year old son who takes Muay Thai classes and an 11 year old daughter who is on a competition dance team. They keep her young and hip (at least she thinks so). She enjoys hanging out with her kids and friends, propagating her succulents and cacti, and listening to motivational podcasts on her daily walks and housecleaning jobs. She tries to see the best in everyone and loves talking to people about their lives and how they got where they are now. Patricia enjoys having deep conversations and relating to the common humanity of all people.
Board of Directors
Jim Wood
(Board Chair)
Senior Pastor,
First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk
Beth Bryant
Account Manager, Ricoh USA
B. Courtney McBath, DMin
Bishop & Senior Pastor,
Calvary Revival Church
President, Virginia Bible College
Taze Taylor, Former CPA
(Treasurer)
Sullivan, Andrews & Taylor, P.C.
Antipas L. Harris, PhD
President, the URC
Eric Thompson, CEPA
Senior Vice President,
UBS Financial Services Inc.
